Graduation Congratulations

This is the Brown School of Radiology Class of 2011.  Only 7 students accepted into this program this year, and all of them graduated.  Most importantly, Tyler graduated.  (He's the 2nd from the left)

Two years ago I read this scripture when he was accepted into the program because I thought it applied to us at the time:

"And it came to pass that they journeyed many days in the wilderness, and they fasted much and ^aprayed much that the Lord would grant unto them a portion of his Spirit to go with them, and abide with them...  And it came to pass that the Lord did ^avisit them with his ^bSpirit, and said unto them: Be ^ccomforted. And they were comforted."  -Alma 17:9-10

But now reading it over again, I realize how much more it applies to us.  The past two years have certainly felt like passing through the wilderness.  I spent most of the first year pregnant with two small children at home to take care of while Tyler was gone on average 14 hours a day.  Most weeks the kids would only see him 3 days of that week because he was gone before they got up and home after they went to bed.   I went by myself to a lot of things.  

Then the second year he was able to start working at the hospital doing x-rays, but working later hours.  Again, he was gone an average of 14-16 hours a day.  Add that up.  He was literally only home to sleep.  Now I'm dealing with two young children and a newborn.  Mostly by myself.

Yet, somehow, the burden was not too heavy.  Tyler was able to do well through school and keep his grades up.  I was able to quickly adapt to 3 kids (much faster than I did to 2).  Many, many nights I felt the Lord did visit me with his Spirit and said to me, "Be comforted."  And I was.  

We made a lot of lifestyle changes that we would not have otherwise made that have brought us so much joy and a deeper understanding of this life.  I am thankful for the lessons I have learned, for the strong woman I've discovered myself to be and the opportunities that have presented themselves for us.  I am thankful for the unending  help I have received - both the seen and the unseen.

Thank you all for your support, your prayers, your fasting, your faith, your inviting us to dinner (Johnsons especially- so the kids and I didn't have to eat alone every night.  Gosh, I miss you all), your love and encouragement, your financial help (so we were able to make it through debt free), your phone calls, your babysitting, and for letting me use your shower (and curling my hair), Cari, because our power went out the day of graduation.  We owe you all so much and hope that somehow we can repay you all for all your kindness.

Now, for some pictures.  I sadly discovered when I pulled out my camera to start clicking away that I had no memory card.  I took it out after my last photo session and forgot to replace it, so all I have are these pics from my mother-in-law's blackberry.  If any of you who were there have some others, I'd love to have them, please.  :)

 Tyler and his dad

 Tyler, Kirk and some of the kids

 Eliza grabbed for his boutonniere right as she took the picture. 

 Can you tell Cade's excited?